05-19-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—May 19, 2014 4297 6. RESOLUTION #2014-5, Preliminary approval for Essentia Health Project MIDA Bond Kyle Dorow, Chief Financial Officer from Essentia Health, was present and distributed a handout to explain the MIDA bond application for Essentia Health. The application is for the construction and equipping of a 125,000 square foot expansion to the in-patient facilities in an amount not to exceed $50 million. The facility is owned by Innovis Health, LLC and is located at 3000 32nd Avenue South in Fargo, North Dakota. The project will provide improved and enhanced diagnostic, treatment, registration and dietary services for the hospital. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to adopt Resolution #2014- 5, Resolution Relating to a Project under the Municipal Industrial Development Act, Giving the Project Preliminary Approval, Subject to a Public Hearing (Essentia Health Project). On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. FLOOD DIVERSION PROJECT ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE, Presentation Mark Brodshaug, Chairman of the Cass County Joint Water Resource District (CCJWRD), and Rocky Schneider, AE2S, were present. They presented a power point outlining the work the Diversion Project Assessment Committee (DPAC) formed through the CCJWRD has done on developing a special assessment district for the proposed Diversion Project. The special assessment district would be formed under the CCJWRD because, under the North Dakota Century Code, the CCJWRD has the ability to administer an assessment district throughout the benefitted area in North Dakota. The DPAC has worked for over two years to establish a methodology to assign direct and indirect benefits across the benefiting area. The figures used are based on an anticipated $450 million project cost. As part of the process it is important to educate the public allowing them to realize that special assessments, if needed, will save dollars in the long run. Mr. Berndt said the modeling has been done using the sales tax for funding. Caution must be used when making promises to the people because without federal support, there may be many changes. Mr. Schneider said the assessments to property is determined by Benefit Region (BR), property value (true & full), and total area of the parcel. The BR development incorporated existing floodplains, project-specific floodplains, FEMA floodplain information, elevation models, local knowledge and professional expertise. They utilized scientific flood risk reduction analysis to group parcels and neighborhoods with similar benefits into BR's. All parcels within each BR are given the same benefit level. Mr. Vanyo asked if there is a plan for outreach as traditionally, public meetings are not well attended. Mr. Schneider said the first factor will be to ensure that all facts that are released to the public are correct. Mr. Brodshaug said the outreach will have to include a detailed description of the project and plans for financing it. 8. FLOOD DIVERSION PROJECT FINANCING, Declaration of Official Intent Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, asked the commission for permission to sign the Declaration of Official Intent on behalf of Cass County regarding issuance of bonds for the F-M Diversion.